The 12 Dramatic Elements

These twelve dramatic elements are at the core of all drama. They can be used in isolation or
simultaneously and are manipulated by the performer for dramatic effect.

1. Focus
Focus is often used interchangeably with the terms concentration and engagement, assisting
the performer in the portrayal of believable characters. This also implies memorisation of text
(including word, moves and gestures). Furthermore, focus requires the channelling (focusing)
of all the performer’s energies into achieving the given goals or objectives of a character in a
scene (otherwise known as ‘wants’).

2. Tension
Tension can sometimes be used as an interchangeable term with conflict. But where it differs,
lies in the development of suspense in a performance. As the audience anticipates certain
outcomes in the plot, the tension builds. An obvious example of rising tension is in a mystery
or whodunit. The development of tension usually parallels the advancement of the plot,
leading to a crisis or climax. Tension is closely linked with timing.

3. Timing
Timing in performance refers to dramatic timing of movements and gestures. We often take
our movements for granted in everyday life, but when performing, the use of our body must
be carefully considered. Timing can be manipulated to create contrast in a scene or simply to
demonstrate robotic, stylised and non-naturalistic movements. Rhythm and pace are affected
by timing.

4. Rhythm
Rhythm refers to the timing and pace of the drama. It also means the beat or tempo of the
performance. As a rule, rhythm should never be the same throughout the drama, regardless of
its length. Rhythm can follow the emotional state of one or more characters or the atmosphere
of the performance at particular moments.

5. Contrast
Without the careful use of contrast a performance is boring and lacks tension. An obvious
example of contrast is a sad scene followed by a happy one. But contrast can be created in
subtler and sophisticated ways, such as manipulating the drama to create a change in setting,
use of space or rhythm. The pace of scenes can also be altered, as can various dramatic
elements within one small section of a performance.

6. Mood
Mood is the feeling or tone of a performance. It refers to ambience or aura and is often
created through a combination of several dramatic and stagecraft elements working in
harmony with each other. The mood of a performance is closely linked with everyday feelings
such as pity, anger, desire or frustration. Mood in drama can be created via sound, lighting,
movement, setting, rhythm, contrast, conflict and more.

7. Space
This dramatic element refers to the effective use of available space in a performance.
Different levels of space are utilised by the performer, such as sitting, bending over, lying
down or crawling. Of course, using the space around you can mean downstage and upstage or
walking in or on a stage set. In order to use the space effectively, movement becomes an
important factor. Use of space also implies clearly communicating to the audience where the
action is taking place. This may include any changes in location that may occur in the
performance (particularly if little or no sets and/or props are being used and there is a heavy
reliance on the audience’s imagination).

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8. Language
The use of language in performance can be verbal, vocal or non-verbal. Language is the
spoken text. It is the written script realised in performance. While normally spoken by the
actor, language can also be chanted or sung. It can also be deliberately nonsensical (gibberish)
for dramatic effect. The choice of language in performance is crucial, as it is forms a major
means of communicating the story of the drama to the audience. Exactly how the actor in
performance uses language is usually determined by the expressive skill of voice. However,
language can also be non-verbal, commonly referred to as body language.

9. Sound
Modern theatrical practice relies on sound to assist in a number of ways. It can be useful in
creating atmosphere or mood. Actors and their bodies can construct effective sound in
performance. Small props can also create sound effects that can be used live during a show.
Other uses of sound involve the implementation of technology, such as instrumental
recordings and sound effects on CDs and mp3 players (though this use of sound is technically
a stagecraft element in the theatre, not a dramatic element).

10. Symbol
The use of symbol in dramatic performance can be one of the simplest and also most
complicated of all techniques. Essentially, symbolism implies a greater meaning than the
literal suggestion. Props are the easiest to work with because objects in everyday life are
symbols in society (for example a rose symbolises love; a cross symbolises Christianity).
Symbols can also be found in the use of colour. We often symbolise purple with royalty, red
with anger or desire, black with evil and darkness or white with purity and innocence. Colour
association can be worthwhile symbols with costumes, sets and props. But the most
sophisticated use of symbol occurs with the application of gesture and movement. A
particular gesture performed by a character early in a performance can be repeated later under
different circumstances (context) and have a very different meaning. Used only once, a
gesture can also be a powerful symbol. Of course, all of the above examples can be combined
for better effect.

11. Conflict
Playwright George Bernard Shaw (who wrote Pygmalion, which was later adapted to become
the film My Fair Lady) once said ‘No conflict, no drama’. How right he was! Drama that
lacks conflict is normally dull and uninspiring. As a rule, conflict should always be
considered an essential ingredient for all dramatic performances. Conflict can be between two
or more characters, or simply one (inner conflict). Many Elizabethan soliloquies contain inner
conflict (‘To be or not to be…’ is an excellent example). Conflict on stage can be verbal,
physical or non-verbal (psychological). Conflict differs from tension in that it is often a fixed
part of the structure of a play, with characters destined to clash with one another from the
outset.

12. Climax
Most drama will have one or more crises in the development of the plot. A crisis is a key
moment of dramatic tension and conflict in the play, usually occurring between two or more
characters and having serious implications for the outcome of the plot. The ultimate crisis, or
highest peak, is usually called the climax and often (but not always) occurs toward the end of
a performance. There can also be more than one climax, although this is uncommon.

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